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Things to Do with Kids in Portland, Maine

By Lisa Bazinet, Managing Editor, Real Maine Mom

Greater Portland is packed with things to do with kids, indoors and out, rain or shine. This list gathers our local favorites in one place, sorted by type with the town for each, so you can find something for today or plan your next weekend. Every spot is local and chosen by us, and places that families voted into the top three of the 2026 Kids’ Pick Awards are marked.

Thank you to the following sponsors for making this page possible:

The Little Gym

At The Little Gym, your child will grow skills, learn, and most importantly have SERIOUS FUN! From their first steps to confident flips, The Little Gym is here to empower children for life’s adventures. Our classes support your child’s physical, social, and emotional growth giving them the confidence to be the best that they can be! Learn more about The Little Gym of Scarborough at TheLittleGym.com

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Indoor Attractions

Drop In Activities/Play:

Scheduled Activities/Classes:

After school activities, extra-curricular activities, creative and hands-on activities.

Bowling:

Swimming:

Explore Science/ History/ Arts & More:

Outdoor Attractions

View/Visit Animals:

Amusement Parks:

Walk/Hike:

Sporting Events:

Drive-In Movies:

Mini Golf:

Tour & Explore:

Ski/Snowboard:

Didn’t see your business on the list? Reach out by direct message on Instagram or Facebook. I’d be happy to add any kid-friendly things to do to this list provided they offer drop-in style play or single class options regularly within a short drive from Greater Portland.

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More local lists for families

Things to do with kids near Portland: FAQ

What are the best indoor things to do with kids in Portland, Maine?

The Indoor Attractions section above covers drop-in play spaces, classes, bowling, swimming and museums around Greater Portland, including the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine in Portland and Urban Air in South Portland.

What can you do with kids on a rainy day near Portland?

Start with the indoor list: drop-in play spaces, rock climbing, pottery painting, bowling and indoor pools are all a short drive from Portland.

Are there free things to do with kids near Portland, Maine?

Yes. Plenty of the outdoor spots on this list, like parks, trails and lighthouses, are free or low cost to visit. Check each site for parking or program fees before you go.

What is there to do with toddlers in Greater Portland?

Drop-in play spaces and toddler rooms are the easiest place to start, like the Treehouse Toddler Room at the Westbrook Community Center and the Playscape at The Point Community Center in South Portland. For classes, see Scheduled Activities.

How far are these places from Portland?

Most are within about a 30 minute drive of Portland. A few, like the Maine State Aquarium and Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay or York’s Wild Kingdom in York, make better day trips.